Frieze Connect Member Spotlight: Connor Tingley
From a young age, Connor Tingley was lucky to have a handful of mentors in pursuit of craft, personal language, and cultural awareness which has melded him into the type of artist and designer he is today. His direction is always intention first, with drawing and process following to address all his creative ventures. He is based in Los Angeles where he was born and raised-however, he considers the world his home. In 2023 he is between art practices, and leading the creative direction of his design firm, COOL, which focuses on creative business development, communication of ideas and storytelling for brands and people alike.
1. Describe yourself in three words?
Seeking. Inspired. Impressed.
2. What's your proudest moment?
When I see people who deserve success actually reach it—whatever that means for them. It’s hopeful, it makes me proud to be alive, and it reminds me why I keep going. There’s something beautiful about celebrating others’ wins; it’s a kind of anti-gatekeeping, a full circle of truth.
3. Art icon?
Da Vinci—for his fearless curiosity and his refusal to live as ONLY an artist or designer-he was fully both. His creative action was led by wonder.
And Duchamp—for redefining what art could be. He resisted making art that looked like art, tearing down the veil of expectation. Both remind me that art is yours—it’s beyond language.
4. Hidden gem in your city?
Not telling.
5. Favorite restaurant?
Pace in Laurel Canyon. The vibe, the food, the staff—it’s like my living room. I’m in there three days a week.
6. Song you can listen to on repeat?
“The Afterglow” by John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer.
7. Exhibition you're excited to see (or have seen)?
The Venice Biennale.
8. A skill you're working on mastering?
Rewiring my discipline.
9. A memorable place?
My mother’s arms—nothing compares to showing love for the one who brought you into the world.
10. Favorite museum?
The Albertina in Vienna.
11. Artist you're currently thinking about?
Josh Harris. He’s been recurring in my thoughts for years. His work fast-tracked the understanding of the internet’s influence on humanity—what he explored then feels even more important now. His work shows how art can compress the test of time, revealing the future.
